Red Monkey Tavern - Raleigh

The service here was incredibly slow; we waited ages for everything! When our food finally arrived, the steak was dull in color and came with some soggy onions.

The food was outstanding, the service was great, and the atmosphere was relaxed. They didn’t serve any alcohol, though I’m not sure if that was due to some COVID-related restrictions. I tried the tostones...

I visited the restaurant today and was thrilled to experience the Puerto Rican flair both in the atmosphere and on the menu. I ordered the chicken and rice, and it was fantastic! (Applause...)

This restaurant was truly a hidden gem. The food was scrumptious, although my entrée wasn't as hot as I had anticipated. I suspect it was because my guest ordered a substantial amount of food, and my dish was prepared first. Nevertheless, the flavors brought back memories of my home in New York. I ordered the Bandeja Paisa, and it met all my expectations. Unfortunately, they were out of avocado, so they substituted it with guacamole, which tasted store-bought rather than homemade. I don't want to hold that against the place, especially since we arrived at 9 PM, just half an hour before closing. With only a couple of other tables occupied, it’s likely they were already winding down. I would definitely give this restaurant another chance during peak hours, when I expect the food to be served quickly and hot! I still recommend it if you're in the mood for some delicious, albeit slightly pricey, authentic Latin cuisine.

The food here was absolutely delicious, served hot and fresh. If you enjoy gourmet Latin cuisine, this is a must-try spot. I even noticed a customer ordering a hamburger that looked like the tallest burger I’ve ever seen, so there are options available for those in your group who may not prefer Latin food. They also have a kids' menu. The atmosphere is pleasant and contemporary.